India is introducing a new policy aimed at expanding freight transportation by rail as part of the growing demand for cement delivery in bulk. The new rate for bulk cement has been rationalised to Rs 0.90 per tonne per km. Earlier, it was based on different distance bands.
Minister for Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw said that the policy will ensure the supply of bulk cement from plants to terminals near consumption centres in specialised wagons. The format will be cost-effective and environmentally friendly. The railways will also provide sites for the construction of bulk cement handling terminals within the framework of the current policy on the creation of such facilities.
The consumption of bulk cement is increasing, and in some metro cities, it has crossed a 50 % share. During FY25, a total of 87 million tonnes (MT) of cement was transported via the Railways. Out of this, 80 MT of cement was bagged (in covered wagons) and 7 MT was bulk cement transported through special wagons and containers.
Cement Manufacturers’ Association of India secretary general Aparna Sharma said that the policy will ensure the faster movement of cement. Almost 18-20 % of the cement consumption is bulk, and of this, 10 % bulk cement is moved by the Railways.
Railway officials said that facilities such as hoppers, silos, bagging plants, etc. will be developed under the policy, which will help in unloading the cement. For this, the Railways will provide its land and give concession to the cement companies to develop the bulk cement handling terminals.
